Former investigating officer of the case Ramesh Mahale was sent outside the court after Zabihuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, who is facing trial in the case, took objection that during examination of a
Former investigating officer of the case Ramesh Mahale was sent outside the court after Zabihuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, who is facing trial in the case, took objection that during examination of a witness he should not remain present in court, as he is also a witness in the case. Meanwhile, David Coleman Headley also spoke about two other Indians also whom he met but they were not aware about his real identity.
During the hearing, Jundal stood up and pointed out that two investigating officers, Nandkumar Gopale and Ramesh Mahale, were sitting inside the courtroom and they should be sent outside because their presence during testimony of another witness would jeopardise his case.
However judge G.A. Sanap told his defence lawyer Khan Abdul Wahab and I.A. Khan that if names of these two officers are their in the list of witnesses then they would be asked to go outside. Though the special public prosecutor raised objection saying it was not required, the judge asked him to make an application in this regard and he would pass an order. However, in the meantime Mr Mahale was made to leave the court.
It may be recalled that Mr Mahale, who was the chief investigating officer of this case, has taken voluntary retirement and now working as a legal consultant but since he played important role in 26/11 case he is assisting prosecution.
Meanwhile, during his deposition Headley informed the court that one Bashir Shaikh, a friend of Dr Tahawur Hussain Rana in Mumbai had received him at Mumbai airport and arranged his first stay in Out Run Hotel. He dropped Headley at the hotel and left. Headley also told the court that he met Shaikh for the first time at the airport and that before this he did not know him. Headley also spoke about another Indian on Tuesday. He said he stayed as paying guest at the house of one lady Meera Kriplani’s house near Breach Candy Hospital.
It may be recalled that so far only two Indians, Faheem Ansari and Sabhuddin Ahmed, were prosecuted in the 26/11 case for helping conspirators but they were acquitted from all the charges in the case. Now Abu Jundal is the only person who is facing trail in this case.
According to prosecution, Jundal was amongst the handlers who was issuing directions to attackers from Pakistan.
